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Buenos Aires, Argentina > Buenos Aires attractions > Teatro Colon Teatro ColonLibertad 621 (@ Cerrito); Tel. +(011.54.11) 4378-7132 Tours, 4378-7344 Shows
 One of the many spectacular public buildings is the National Congress of Argentina. Photo by Greg Roden This theater is a metaphor for Argentina. Not to be mistaken for the Paris Opera House, the exterior is a classic, grandiose, old building modeled after European greats and taking up an entire city block. Once one gets inside for a closer look, the great beauty, elegance, and grace are both humbling and spell-binding. El Teatro Colon is a major source of Argentine pride. It is second in size in the Southern Hemisphere only to the Sydney Opera House as a venue. The Colon can seat up to 2500 people with standing room for 500 more. This is the central venue for performing arts in Argentina. For musicians, dancers, and actors alike, an opportunity to perform in the Colon is a once in a lifetime experience. Equally, the opportunity to attend a performance is a must for visitors. The multi-tiered theater is reminiscent of a red velvet wedding cake. All seats face the large stage, with the best seats on the ground floor. The second to seventh floors all have box and row seating. The deep red carpeting, heavy curtains, and well-attended details make this theater magnificent and truly a treasure. Tours in English and Spanish are offered daily ($10AR), with the English tour at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. It's well worth the effort, as the tour takes you behind the scenes to view the subtleties and intricacies that add to the splendor of the theater. Make reservations a few days in advance as these fill up quickly throughout the year. —Teatro Colon review by Gena Mavuli
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